schreef:
"I would not buy the Saab"
Vladimir Antonov will speak out in SvD Business. He still wants to take Saab - despite the slow sales this year. He is now negotiating with GM, but even though he says he exonerated his name, he is unsure whether he can come in as a shareholder.
For the first time since the spring opens the Russian banker Vladimir Antonov, 35, up for an interview about the Spyker and Saab, and the charges against him. He does it when the media had access to two reports in fact exonerate him from accusations of money laundering and being part of organized crime.
There was barely a year ago that GM suddenly refused to sell Saab to the sports car maker Spyker. The reason was that the Antonov was behind. Then arranged a solution where the Antonov in practice instead lent nearly 800 million.
Vladimir Antonov is simply behind the Saab with its money - but did not see the owner.
Do you still want to buy Saab?
-Yes, absolutely, "he says of a bad telephone line late yesterday afternoon from Kiev, where he sits in the middle of a board meeting.
You negotiate now with GM to buy Saab and Spyker?
"We are currently negotiating with GM on various opportunities.
It was last Monday that the Debt Office released the confidentiality of a report on the Antonov, which the law firm Vinge gave the U.S. research firm Kroll to do. It was completed on 16 December 2009, just two days before GM stopped the whole affair because the Antonov was involved as an owner.
The second report has Antonov commissioned to clear his name. It is made by the survey company, IPSA International. The report addresses the rumors and accusations of money laundering and organized crime. The authors write that they talked to official sources and regulatory authorities in several countries.
Report authors found no evidence that the Antonov acted criminally. The report was completed in June but appears only now to the media.
Why are journalists not seen the report until now?
"It's not my responsibility. Swedish Government report back in September. You've good legislation in Sweden with open government.
Information in Financial Times last fall claimed that Muller was forced to look for a new sponsor - the Antonov wanted to pull out when he could not come in as a shareholder. But Vladimir Antonov dismisses fears.
How long can the situation go on, you have no limit?
"I am a banker who lent money and it is not linked to whether I will be involved directly in the Saab or not. It is linked to my friend Victor Muller. We continue to the bank to lend money to his company to any customer.
Saab's new beginning has been a tough year. Victor Muller and Jan Ake Jonsson has been embarrassing to write down the year's sales forecast twice - from 60 000 cars down to 30 000 cars - thus halving.
Do you really take the Saab with these figures in mind?
That's true, production was delayed - but what I know, you go now as business and there is generally. I think next year will be much better than this year.
Victor Muller needs through his company Tenaci repay a loan of EUR 31 million by end of April next year. It is unclear whether he can do it. Antonov can then take the Spyker sports car division that is set as security.
What if he can not pay the loan?
"I think Tenaci can do it - if not we'll take it then, but we have a good relationship.
Honestly - do you really think you can come back as the owner of Spyker and Saab?
"I honestly do not know. It may be the closest time will tell.